Philippa Main
Samson Properties & Future Home Realty
Ready to Sell Your Home in Donaldson Run?
Donaldson Run is a wooded Arlington neighborhood named for the stream that runs along its west side and was developed during the 1940s and 1950s. Housing styles vary from Colonial Revival and Cape Cod to ranch and contemporary designs, amid mature trees and rolling terrain. The Potomac Overlook Regional Park and Donaldson Run Nature Area provide hiking trails, environmental education, and streamside green space. The neighborhood's layout reflects its natural features, with residences tucked into hillside lots adjacent to stream valleys and recreational sites. Civic involvement has historically centered around community amenities, including an early swimming pool and continuing preservation efforts around the stream and parks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling A Home in Donaldson Run
When is the best time to put a home on the market in Donaldson Run?
Homes in Donaldson Run usually sell best between March and May, when buyer demand is strongest and the area's natural beauty helps homes show well. Spring listings often attract serious, well-qualified buyers.
What’s the price range for homes in Donaldson Run?
Home prices in Donaldson Run typically range from around $1.2 million to over $2.5 million. The neighborhood’s larger lots, proximity to parks, and luxury home inventory contribute to higher market values.
Who is currently buying homes in Donaldson Run?
Buyers in Donaldson Run are often move-up families, executives, and professionals relocating to the DC area. Many are drawn to the neighborhood’s quiet setting, access to top-rated schools, and nearby nature trails.
Should I list my Donaldson Run property on the open market or explore private offers?
Most sellers in Donaldson Run see better results from a full-market listing. This approach attracts more buyers and maximizes your potential for a competitive offer. Private sales may appeal for timing or privacy, but public listings typically yield stronger outcomes.
What makes a Donaldson Run home more appealing to buyers?
Buyers in Donaldson Run look for high-end finishes, large yards, and functional layouts with modern upgrades. Proximity to Gulf Branch, nature trails, and sought-after schools also adds to a home’s desirability.
What does the selling process look like in Donaldson Run?
Selling in Donaldson Run involves pricing with a luxury-market agent, staging the home for upscale buyers, and coordinating showings and negotiations. Sellers often benefit from professional photography, targeted digital marketing, and strong agent representation.
How do I select the best agent to sell my home in Donaldson Run?
The ideal agent for Donaldson Run understands the luxury buyer profile, knows how to highlight the area’s natural appeal, and has a strong track record in North Arlington. They should be prepared to market your home with a tailored strategy for high-end listings.
Have a home in Donaldson Run to sell? Find out

More about Donaldson Run
Donaldson Run is one of North Arlington's most picturesque and sought-after neighborhoods, known for its natural beauty, elegant homes, and strong sense of privacy. Nestled between Military Road and the Potomac River, and bordered by wooded parkland, Donaldson Run offers a peaceful, retreat-like setting just minutes from Washington, DC. The neighborhood is named for the stream that winds through the area and into the Potomac, with many homes backing up to parkland or trails.
Selling a home in Donaldson Run means marketing to buyers who value space, serenity, and architectural charm. Homes in the neighborhood range from classic Colonials and Cape Cods to custom-built properties that take full advantage of the hilly terrain and wooded surroundings. For homeowners thinking about how to sell my Donaldson Run home, highlighting the unique combination of privacy, access to nature, and proximity to urban amenities is essential. Homes with updated interiors, large decks, and landscaped yards tend to draw especially strong interest.
One of the defining features of Donaldson Run is its proximity to green space. The neighborhood borders both Potomac Overlook Regional Park and Zachary Taylor Park, offering miles of wooded trails, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation. Residents also enjoy direct access to the Donaldson Run Trail, a scenic path that follows the stream and connects to larger trail networks. These natural amenities are key selling points and should be central to any marketing strategy when listing a home in the neighborhood.
Despite its wooded character, Donaldson Run is close to everything. The neighborhood offers quick access to Lee Highway, Military Road, and the George Washington Parkway, making it easy to reach downtown DC, Tysons, or National Landing. The Lee Heights Shopping Center is just minutes away, providing essentials like a gourmet grocery store, cafes, and boutique retail. These conveniences make Donaldson Run ideal for buyers who want a peaceful setting without sacrificing accessibility.
Real estate in Donaldson Run is highly competitive, especially for homes that combine architectural integrity with thoughtful updates. Many homes are situated on larger lots than is typical in Arlington, providing room for additions, gardens, and outdoor living. If you're preparing to sell my Donaldson Run home, staging, professional photography, and a narrative that captures the lifestyle and setting can help maximize buyer interest.
Donaldson Run remains a prime choice for buyers who want to live in a neighborhood that feels removed from the city, yet is only a short drive away. Whether listing a stately Colonial with a formal garden or a mid-century home nestled in the trees, selling a home in Donaldson Run means marketing one of Arlington's most naturally beautiful and enduringly desirable communities.
WHY DONALDSON RUN IS A SELLERS MARKET
Donaldson Run is prized for its natural beauty, access to Potomac Overlook Regional Park, and stately homes. With few listings and strong demand from buyers wanting peace and proximity to DC, homes sell fast and at a premium.
HOW TO SELL A HOME IN DONALDSON RUN
Market scenic surroundings and access to nature trails and top schools.
Use drone and lifestyle imagery to showcase privacy and outdoor appeal.
Work with a local expert who understands the luxury suburban buyer profile.
With over 10 years of real estate experience and more than $100 million of real estate sold since 2017, Philippa Main is a trusted, experienced, and full‑time Realtor with a proven track record. A Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, Pricing Strategy Advisor, and Certified Client Protection Expert, she has a deep knowledge of the Northern Virginia real estate market. She worked in new construction marketing at D.R. Horton and has guided first‑time homebuyers, probate estate sellers, people relocating in and out of state, and more.
Praised in reviews as “knowledgeable,” “hard‑working,” “dependable,” and “excellent,” clients often say she “works harder than any realtor I have worked with in the past” and "protected our best interests." Known for being prompt, proactive, and highly detail‑oriented, Philippa personally manages each transaction (with no assistants or junior team members) so clients receive her direct expertise at every step.
Available seven days a week, she customizes strategies tailored to each client, ensuring seamless experiences in both buying and selling.
As a top performing real estate agent in the country and recognized by HomeLight as a top producer and top negotiator, Philippa stands out for her comprehensive market insight, strategic pricing assistance, and home staging guidance.
Whether navigating probate sales, downsizing, upsizing, relocation, senior moves, or more, clients benefit from her strong negotiation skills and transparent communication.
More About Philippa Main - Top Northern Virginia Realtor
